By Belize Live News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño says he understands the controversial Guatemala billboards appearing around Belize City to be part of a tourism promotion campaign, although he acknowledged that their message is “a bit misleading.”
The billboards feature images of Guatemala and encourage people to visit the neighbouring country for its landscapes and people.
Their appearance has generated public debate, particularly as Belize prepares to celebrate its 45th anniversary of Independence and following the recent confrontation in the Sarstoon.
Briceño, however, sought to separate the advertisements from the wider Belize Guatemala territorial dispute.
The Prime Minister said his understanding is that the intention behind the billboards is simply to promote Guatemala as a tourism destination.
His comments present a different interpretation from Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar Panton, who has called for the signs to be removed and characterized them as a political provocation.
While Briceño acknowledged concerns about how the message could be interpreted, he did not characterize the advertisements as a challenge to Belize’s sovereignty.
The controversy has also brought attention to the approval process for billboards displayed within Belize City.
